The recovery of Lena's mother was a profound event in Oakhaven. Within days, she was up and about, frail but undeniably alive, a testament to the miraculous properties of the Moonpetal Blossom and, more importantly, to Rylan's intervention. The gratitude from Lena and her family was boundless, echoing through the entire village. Rylan's reputation transformed from powerful stranger to benevolent protector, a hero who had delivered them from despair.
This newfound reverence served Rylan perfectly. He accepted the villagers' offerings of fresh food and modest gifts, cementing their loyalty and dependence. Oakhaven was quickly becoming his personal fiefdom, not through overt force, but through a calculated display of power and benevolence. He was planting the seeds of control.
Each night, Rylan continued his essential dual cultivation. With Elara, the sessions remained gentle, deepening her Qi Gathering foundation. She was becoming more robust, her movements gaining a faint, unnatural grace. Her loyalty was absolute, a quiet, unwavering devotion that strengthened Rylan's sense of authority.
With Lyra, the dual cultivation was more vibrant. Her Minor Mana Affinity continued to develop, allowing her to sense and even subtly manipulate ambient spiritual energies. During their sessions, Rylan felt a refreshing, almost electric current, invigorating his own Qi Condensation core. Lyra's "Herbal Lore" skill proved immensely useful; she often provided him with small, potent concoctions brewed from local plants that subtly enhanced his recovery and spirit. She was intelligent, quick-witted, and her initial self-reliance was rapidly transforming into a fierce, intelligent loyalty, a valuable asset in his growing force.
And now, with Lena, the dual cultivation took on a more soothing quality. Her Minor Healing Affinity, awakened by the System, provided a gentle, restorative spiritual energy that seemed to cleanse and refine Rylan's own cultivation base. He felt a newfound resilience, his body recuperating faster from any exertion. Lena's "Medicinal Practices" skill was also a boon, as she began to organize the village's meager medical supplies, even identifying and preparing remedies for common ailments, solidifying Rylan's image as Oakhaven's bringer of health and prosperity. Her relief and gratitude fueled a deep, quiet affection that bound her tightly to him.
Rylan's Qi Condensation (Early Stage) realm steadily solidified. He practiced manipulating his spiritual energy, learning to project it externally in focused bursts, or to infuse it into his body for enhanced speed and strength. His senses were now acutely attuned to spiritual fluctuations, allowing him to perceive cultivators from a greater distance, and even discern subtle details about their cultivation.
During the day, Rylan maintained his active role in the village. He oversaw the continued clearing of the North River path, ensuring its safety. He offered advice to Kael on agricultural matters, using his now-enhanced analytical skills to subtly improve their efficiency. His actions made Oakhaven thrive, even as his presence subtly shifted the power dynamic.
One sunny afternoon, as Rylan was observing the newly cleared path, a group of villagers rushed towards him, their faces pale with alarm. Elder Kael was among them, his usual composure replaced by agitation.
"Master Rylan!" Kael exclaimed, his voice tight with worry. "The Baron's tax collectors! They've arrived early, and they've brought an Enforcer with them! He's a powerful cultivator, beyond anything we've ever seen!"
Rylan's eyes narrowed. An Enforcer. A Qi Condensation cultivator, just as he'd surmised. This was no ordinary tax collection. This was a deliberate show of force, likely in response to the missing patrol he had incapacitated on Whispering Peak. The Baron was asserting his authority.
"What is the Enforcer doing?" Rylan asked, his voice calm, a stark contrast to the villagers' panic.
"He's demanding double the usual tax, Master Rylan!" a young farmer cried. "He says if we don't pay, he'll seize our harvest and take our young men for forced labor in the Baron's mines! He... he even threatened to torch a few homes as an example!"
Rylan felt a cold, calculated fury ignite within him. This was not just an obstacle; this was an affront. The Baron was directly threatening his people, his newfound domain. This was the catalyst. This was the moment to demonstrate his true power to Oakhaven, and to begin dismantling the Baron's petty tyranny.
He looked towards the village square, where a commotion was already brewing. He could sense the Enforcer's spiritual presence—strong, arrogant, but not insurmountable.
"Gather your families, but do not resist," Rylan instructed the terrified villagers, his voice resonating with an undeniable command. "Remain calm. I will handle this."
He walked towards the village square, Elara and Lyra moving instinctively to flank him, their hands on their respective tools, their eyes firm. Lena, though still fearful, looked at him with unwavering trust. The time for subtle influence was over. The time for the Lustful Emperor to assert his dominance had arrived.
End of chapter 14